Columbia State To Launch Women’s Soccer Team

UPDATE: Open Tryouts Scheduled for Friday, Feb. 9

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Feb. 6, 2018) - - - Columbia State Community College is pleased to announce the start of a new women’s soccer team beginning fall 2018. Open tryouts will be held at Ridley Park on Feb. 9 from 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Open tryouts will provide an opportunity for area players to showcase their talents and possibly earn a spot on the Lady Charger’s soccer team.

"Over the last few years one of the most consistent questions we were asked is about whether or not we will offer soccer in the future and we are happy to say that the time is now," said Johnny Littrell, Columbia State athletic director. “As our enrollment has expanded, we are now in a position to provide additional sporting events for our students. There is a tremendous future for this new program."

Colton Bryant, director of development at Premier Futboltech Development Academy, has been named head coach for the new team.

“I’m excited to get this program up and running,” Bryant said. “We are providing opportunities for local girls to receive a quality education while continuing their soccer career at the collegiate level.”

Bryant, a Norman, Oklahoma native, graduated from Columbia Central High School before attending Martin Methodist College where he played soccer. After sustaining several injuries, he focused his efforts as a student assistant coach for Martin Methodist’s men’s soccer team. Since then, Bryant has coached soccer in Florida, Texas, Argentina and Tennessee.

"Colton is incredibly energetic and knowledgeable about the game," Littrell said. "From both his time as a player himself and his experiences coaching, he knows the search for talent and has formed great relationships with local coaches."

Bryant said the reason he began coaching was because of a kid he helped during a soccer camp.

“He kept saying he couldn’t do it,” Bryant said. “Every time he returned to camp he mastered that skill he thought he couldn’t – there is something so rewarding about helping others get to where they want to go.”

Tryouts will be open for both current and prospective students. Players should bring cleats and shin guards. Ridley Park is located at 6148 Trotwood Ave in Columbia.